Sri Vijaya Puram, July 3: Public awareness campaigns against drug abuse continued across South Andaman during Drug Awareness Week as authorities combined outreach programmes with enforcement action, including the seizure of 125 grams of suspected ganja in a separate operation under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The awareness initiatives formed part of the nationwide campaign, “Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat”, and were conducted at multiple locations across the district to educate students, youth and the general public about the harmful consequences of substance abuse and the importance of community participation in drug prevention.
According to official information, police stations across South Andaman organised a range of awareness activities, including painting competitions, bike rallies, volleyball tournaments, public outreach programmes in markets and Gram Panchayats, and community interaction sessions. The programmes were held in Hut Bay, Haddo, Wimberlygunj, Chouldari, Collinpur, R.K. Pur and R.B. Nagar.
The campaigns focused on spreading awareness about the social and health impacts of drug abuse while encouraging young people to participate in sports and other constructive activities. Awareness materials were distributed, anti-drug pledges were administered and members of the public were urged to contribute towards efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse in their communities.
Separately, an NDPS case was registered following the seizure of suspected ganja during an operation conducted near Bhagat Singh Colony, Haddo, on July 1.
According to the information released, officials apprehended one individual during the operation and recovered approximately 125 grams of suspected illicit ganja after completing the prescribed legal procedures under the NDPS Act. A case has been registered under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Authorities stated that the investigation is continuing to ascertain further details connected with the case.
The awareness campaign and the enforcement action took place simultaneously as part of the district’s ongoing anti-drug initiatives, highlighting both preventive outreach and legal action against alleged violations under the NDPS Act.
Officials have appealed to the public to share information relating to drug trafficking or illegal narcotics through the emergency helpline 112, the MANAS toll-free helpline 1933, the South Andaman Police WhatsApp number 9531856080 or the nearest police station. Authorities stated that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
The awareness programmes and the registered NDPS case remain separate components of the broader campaign aimed at addressing drug abuse and narcotics-related offences across South Andaman.
